Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh’s batted in a manner as if they
were playing for Australia and not Big Bash League. David Warner tried to
script some BBL shots, but this is Test cricket, where stupid cricket has no
value. The track offered turn, but there were no demons in the pitch. Resolve
is needed to stamp authority on such tracks. There were nervous moments at the
fag end of the day, but no damage was done. Smith and Marsh exhibited the right
attitude to finish the day in a comfortable fashion.
Smith and Marsh were watchful, used their feet, played the ball late and
concentrated more on rotation of the strike. Such things were required on the
previous occasions, but it took time for the likes of Smith and co to realize
this. If such sort of composure sustains tomorrow as well, this Test match
might turn out to be a competitive one.
Dinesh Chandimal scored a well-thought and hard-fought hundred. His composure
hardly tilted and remained unfazed despite the clutter of wickets. Rangana
Herath and Chandimal stitched yet another productive partnership to swell the
scoreboard and 355 runs in the first innings is a very a good total.
The adventures of Kusal Medis, Sandakan, Chandimal and Herath and the shambolic
batting display of Australia, completely overshadowed the efforts of Mitchell
Starc. Throughout the series, Starc had been a treat to watch – deceptive pace,
lethal yorkers and movement in and off the pitch on dry and unhelpful
conditions gave me enough joy. More power to you Mitchell for the future.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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